Severe cases of drug-addicted minors make parents angry and helpless. The problem: therapies aren’t required by law. Adolescents can absolve themselves from treatment.
The case of a 15-year-old Tyrolean who – as reported on Saturday – was taken to hospital with an overdose, caused many reactions. The “Tiroler Krone” is aware of several cases of young people who also sink into the drug swamp. Their parents also suffer from it and do not know how to deal with it anymore.
At the request of the newspaper “Tiroler Krone”, Kathrin Sevecke, director of the clinic for child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy in Hall and Innsbruck, cannot confirm that the number of young people with drug overdose has increased recently: the situation remains the same for the first eight months. the same with us as far as drugs are concerned. The situation has been tense since the corona pandemic. It always depends on availability and the group setup.”
Understanding for parents, clear legal requirements
Sevecke can understand the frustration and concerns of the parents: “If my child is at risk, you automatically think that they need a counselor or therapist or go to the clinic. I understand that very well.” A lot of time is spent talking to the parents to make it clear to them that the situation is legally difficult.Unlike in Germany, where young people with addiction or school refusal can be transferred to a clinic against their will, in Austria this is done on voluntarily.
“Of course we have clinic rules. For example, if drugs are consumed in the open ward, this leads to immediate termination of treatment. Young people who don’t want to be here know exactly what to do to be released.” Young patients can also be seen handing out vodka. But if you want help, “find a place here”.
In addition, in times of Corona, you have to think about the functionality of the clinics. While there are acute admissions where young people are treated for up to three days, these are without long-term therapy sites.
Chance of improvement only with the help of the federal government
That patients are assured of a place in therapy can only be done through politics. “I am a child psychiatrist with passion and I try to do a lot at the federal and state level. We make full use of the legal framework,” says Sevecke. The cooperation with the youth care agencies is also progressing well to find suitable methods, although she emphasizes: “If the patient doesn’t want to and doesn’t see it, it just can’t be done.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
